Sarah began her OlyFed career in 2017 as a Customer Service Representative at the Lacey branch. Hardworking and committed to lifelong learning, she sought out advancement opportunities and over the years rose through the ranks to Universal Banker, Compliance Specialist, Assistant Branch Manager and most recently Branch Manager at the bank’s Tumwater location. Through it all, she says it’s the people and culture that have kept her with OlyFed.
“OlyFed is one of a kind. The people I work with, the customers we serve and the values we share—I’m excited to bring that to Lewis County,” Sarah explains. “OlyFed’s presence in the community has pushed me as a person, and I’ve adopted those values and try to live out our mission. It’s how I got connected to Rebuilding Together, where I now serve on the board of directors.”
Rooted in Family and Community
Sarah’s love for community service comes naturally. She grew up watching her dad, Ryan Caldwell, lead by example. Well known in the community, Ryan is the owner of Caldwell Construction and has been building in and around Lewis County for more than 30 years.
“I was raised in a family that was really community focused, and those values were instilled in me from a young age. Growing up I watched my dad take care of our neighbors and extended family in times of need. I also saw how much he cared for his employees. He taught me to lead with heart, be willing to do the work yourself and be there for people when they need you.”
Sarah and Ryan recently worked together on a painting and landscaping project with Rebuilding Together that turned out to be much bigger than planned. Caldwell Construction loaned company vehicles to haul debris, and when Ryan later discovered that part of the home needed to be re-sided, he returned on his own time to do the work at no cost to the homeowner or the organization.
Purpose Driven Banking
For Sarah, leading OlyFed’s new Chehalis branch is an opportunity to serve in a community that shares the bank’s values of connection and care. She looks forward to building relationships with residents and business owners, joining community events and introducing people to OlyFed’s unique business model.
Since its founding in 1906, OlyFed has grown organically by responding to the needs of the communities it serves. With more than 10% of the bank’s profits directed to philanthropic giving each year, OlyFed sees itself as part of the solution to some of the region’s biggest challenges. In the last five years, the bank has invested more than $2 million in local charitable endeavors, and last year alone its employees volunteered more than 1,500 hours in the community. Even better, in the past two years, OlyFed has originated close to $16 million in affordable home loans designed to help households with incomes at or below 80% of the median income.
Ryan says he’s proud to see both Sarah and OlyFed investing in Lewis County. “It’s exciting to have OlyFed here in Chehalis. This community will benefit from a bank that truly puts people first, supporting families, small businesses and the local economy. Watching Sarah take on this role is a proud moment, and I know she’ll make a positive difference here.”
The Chehalis branch is set to open in early September, but you don’t have to wait to become a customer. Open an account online or contact Sarah to schedule an appointment today.
